Verizon is buying the smaller broadband carrier Starry for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is expected to close by the first quarter of 2026, but is subject to FCC approval. Verizon has already done some work to appease the US government by ending DEI initiatives, so the FCC is likely to give this merger its stamp of approval.
This acquisition should help Verizon expand its wireless broadband footprint throughout the country. Starry specializes in delivering high-speed internet to multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and urban communities. These environments are difficult to adequately cover, as urban settings present some unique challenges.
Starry gets around this by employing its proprietary millimeter wave technology, which Verizon will now own. Simply put, the company installs nodes throughout populated areas that broadcast concentrated radio waves that are picked up by receivers outside of apartment buildings and the like. This allows for a service that rivals a fiber connection when it comes to downloads, but everything is done wirelessly.
The company has experienced rapid growth these past several years, with more than 100,000 customers in cities like Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, Denver and Washington DC. "Starry has demonstrated a unique and efficient approach to delivering high-speed internet in complex MDU environments," said Joe Russo, executive vice president of Verizon. "By integrating their technology and expertise, we will accelerate our fixed wireless access capabilities."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/verizon-buys-starry-to-expand-its-wireless-broadband-footprint-163557816.html?src=rss
